Stud Finder Caution

Both kinds of stud finders can give you false readings. An electronic model may detect something in the wall that is not a stud, while a magnet may locate metal that is not a fastener driven into a stud. Here are some tips for making sure you aren't tricked by a false reading.

1. Studs and joists are typically installed 16 or 24 inches apart (that is, the centers of each should be close to 16 or 24 inches apart). If your stud finder is showing studs spaced evenly across a wall, chances are good that it is giving you an accurate reading. Note, however, that this regular spacing can be disrupted near doors, windows and corners, where the studs may be closer together.

2. Studs and joists are usually pretty straight (though not necessarily perfectly straight). So, if you are finding a stud location running straight up and down a wall at multiple locations, you can probably trust the reading.

3. If I have doubts about the readings I'm getting, or if I'm planning to hang something particularly heavy from the wall, I use both types of stud finder. This double effort only takes a few extra minutes.

4. Sometimes you can find studs using nothing but your eyes. The nails and screws holding drywall to the framing sometimes "pop" a bit away from the wall surface. In the right light, you may be able to notice a series of small bumps or dips that provide a clue to stud locations.